Why an effects loop?

[david eaton]

Same question has been posted on TGP...

I know this question will be pretty basic for many of you, but I'm going to ask it anyway.
I've never used an effects loop on my amp, always stomp boxes. So, what do I gain by putting certain effects (I usually hear time delay/modulation) effects in the loop instead of in front of the amp?
Answer as simply or as detailed as you like, I've never thought about this before so any input is appreciated.
Thanks in advance

[Baba]

One example would be echo/delay. If you are using the gain channel on your amp, you want THAT tone to be delayed, what you don't want is your clean guitar being delayed, and then distorted, it gets real messy.

Get the tone first, then effect it. Now, there really are no "rules", there are several different applications for FX, use them any way you want, the fun is experimenting.

[david eaton]

Thanks Baba, that makes sense.

Would it be fair to say that if you were using the amp for clean and pedals for overdrive, distortion, etc., that you wouldn't gain much from using the loop as opposed to pedals in front?

Can you tell that question is being asked by someone thinking "I don't want to run two more cables to and from the amp?" :)

[Andrew]

As Baba mentioned, effects loops insert the effects between the preamp and power amp, which is where time-based effects such as chorus, delay, and phaser sound better.

[Tom Gross]

OK, I've got another question to reveal my ignorance - I'm in the middle of the purchase of a new amp, and it involves some FX loop stuff, so I'll be using all this stuff soon (for time-based effects).
In english, and real-world related language, explain to me:

1. Parallel vs. series loops
2. Tube driven effects loops, Dumbleators, etc.

[david eaton]

If I understand this correctly, a serial loop essentially sends all of your signal to the loop and then brings the mixed dry/wet signal back. A parallel loop sends a "mirror" of your signal to the loop while keeping dry signal in the amp thus letting you mix together the amount of wet from the loop and dry from the pre-amp going to the power amp stage.

[Tom Gross]

Thanks!

Ok, then, follow up questions -
I've heard two things, please elaborate if you can:

1) Tube driven sounds better, and functions also as a master volume in some way, or maybe correct use of it allows you to get the best tone out of master volume amps

2) There maybe some issue running a delay in parallel, as the slight latency as the signal runs thru the processor causes the wet sound to be out of sync with the dry sound.

Any help would be appreciated.